Administrative Staff
Executive Director, Tess Snook O’Riva
Tess Snook O’Riva (she/her) has served as the Executive Director of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley since July 2019. Prior to answering this calling, she owned a consultancy business helping nonprofits do their good work with intention, purpose, and responsible stewardship. For over 15 years, she held a variety of executive positions within the Contra Costa Health Services Department. Her broad volunteer experience includes Chair of the Contra Costa County Arts & Culture Commission (AC5), Community Liaison for the Art of Health & Healing, CCHS PRIDE Initiative, President of Carquinez Middle School PTA, and innumerable service clubs.
Tess brings extensive experience in operations management, information technology, communications, and organizational development to her leadership style. She received her Master of Public Administration from California State University, East Bay, and her Bachelor of Arts in Spanish from the University of California at Davis. In her spare time, she hosts a loving and diverse community of hearts full of people, pets, and (suspected) extraterrestrials.
Office Administrator, Janae Heard
Send Janae an email
Phone: (510) 525-0302, ext. 306
I came to UUCB as the Rentals Coordinator in March 2023. I then took over as Office Administrator in September of 2023, bringing over 20 years of experience in an administrative role, including many years in the engineering department at the Fairmont Hotel San Francisco as well as office assistant in a small company in Walnut Creek.
I have a strong desire to be of service, and to use my skills to facilitate smooth operations behind the scenes at UUCB so the focus can be on coming together, building community through worship and the programs that support what the congregation is passionate about. If there is anything I can be of assistance with, I am here to help.
I grew up the in Central Valley of California, and in my free time I like to read and be outside. I love the beach, and hiking and camping with my husband, daughter and our Aussie dog.
Connections Coordinator, Charis Domador
Hola! I am originally from Caracas, Venezuela, and have lived in Florida, Arizona, D.C., Virginia, and now California. Spanish is my native language, and I pronounce my name CHAD-ees (rhymes with PATTIES).
Through my work in communications and as a yoga teacher, I strive to cultivate a world where curiosity yields connection and stewardship among us, recognizing the oneness of humanity. I possess a holy curiosity, and fully embrace independent investigation of truth and the divine. I believe in human rights for all, banishing prejudice of every kind, the harmony of science and religion, the abolition of extreme wealth and poverty, and accessible education for all.
I hope my work will enhance and amplify the amazing efforts of UUCB. You can find me at the welcome table most Sundays, or running around the church.
Facilities Manager, Peter Barnholdt
Phone: (510) 525-0302, ext. 308
Peter is originally from Minnesota, graduated in the culinary arts, and worked in some of the Twin Cities’ well known open kitchen restaurants leading to a 13 year career and passion as a glassblower, owning and operating his own studios and galleries. In 2013 he made the big leap to California landing in beautiful Santa Barbara working as the lead art preparator at the Museum of Contemporary Art. Since then, Peter has lived up and down the coast from Tahoe, Santa Cruz, and settling down into Berkeley life. This handyman/artist at heart has found a great home in the welcoming community of UUCB.
